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White House Urges Citizens to Observe Memorial Day Remembrance

WASHINGTON, May 25, 2005  The White House Commission on Remembrance urges Americans to observe the National Moment of Remembrance on Memorial Day, Monday, May 30 at 3 p.m. local time.

Congress established the commission on Dec. 28, 2000, to honor Americans who have died while serving the nation, to recognize veterans and those who continue to serve, and to educate Americans, particularly children, about the sacrifices made to preserve freedom and liberty.

According to the commission's Web site, "The time 3:00 p.m. was chosen because it is the time when many Americans are enjoying their freedoms on the national holiday. The Moment does not replace the traditional Memorial Day observances."

The Moment of Remembrance is intended to be an informal moment of silence that may be observed in an individual or group fashion, the commission's Web site states.

The idea for the Moment came in May 1996 when children visiting Washington, D.C., exclusively associated Memorial Day with the opening of swimming pool season.

The White House Commission on Remembrance also sponsors several special projects, such as "Patriots Patrol," which educates elementary school students about patriotism and teaches them that teamwork makes the country stronger.

Another special project is "Operation US To YOU," which "develops special projects and events throughout the year to boost our troops morale by sending them a touch of home wherever they are," the Web site states.